Sisters of Saint Joseph of Annecy

Mairead Bookle was born on July 21^st, 1940, at Brownsbarn, Thomastown, County Kilkenny to Michael and Mary Bookle. There were seven children in the family, two boys and five girls. One sister, Maura, entered with the Sisters of Mercy; another, Teresa, joined the St. John of God Sisters.

Mairead went to the local school at Thomastown, and then to the Mercy Convent for her secondary education. Having passed her inter-certificate, she went to our juniorate in Killorglin. It was soon clear that Mairead was very bright, and she was sent to our school in Taunton where she continued her studies.

Mairead entered the novitiate in Llantarnam Abbey, South Wales on the 12th September 1957, began her novitiate in August 1958, made first vows in August 1959 and final profession in August 1962.

After completing teacher training at Digby Stuart College, London, she taught in Devizes from 1961 -1976. She then went to Cardiff University to do a B.Ed. degree and from 1977-1980 she was Deputy Head in Our Lady of the Angels Primary School, Cwmbran.  

In 1980 Sr. Benedicta was appointed Provincial Bursar and continued in this role until 1998 when she became Local Superior and Bursar in Killorglin. From 2009-2016 she was Provincial Superior. At the end of her mandate, she returned to Killorglin as Superior, where she stayed until she fell ill.

Sr. Benedicta had deep faith. She was wholeheartedly committed to whatever task she was given and able to enjoy a challenge. She was an excellent teacher, had a great love for children and was full of compassion for the less able and those most in need.   Her mission was not just to the children, but also to the families of the parish, the elderly and the neediest.

Leaving teaching and taking on the responsibility of Provincial Bursar was a big challenge for her. Sister was greatly respected by solicitors, accountants, contractors and the staff employed at the Abbey.

She was always fair, a good listener and a plain speaker. If she disagreed about something she would say so, but never held it against anyone. She also had a great sense of humour. Her love and concern for all Sisters, especially the sick and elderly, was evident. Our missions in Africa and in India also had a special place in her heart.

She loved and respected nature, a gift she claimed came from her father. The grounds of Llantarnam Abbey gave her great joy. She loved to speak of her home and family and the fun they had as children playing on the banks of the river Nore. Mattie, a stray dog, became a very special friend and travelled with her when she returned from Killorglin to the Abbey towards the end of her life.

Sr. Benedicta enjoyed great health and never had a serious illness until her cancer diagnosis. It came as a great shock to herself, her family, and her religious family. Her acceptance was an example for all who cared for her and for the community. Many times, she said “We have to walk and accept the road He has laid out for us”. This she did with great faith and acceptance.

Sr. Benedicta died peacefully on 2^nd January 2023 and her funeral took place in the chapel at Llantarnam Abbey on Friday, 20^th January. This was the first funeral since the pandemic where more than family were able to be present. That parishioners from her early teaching days in Devizes chose to come speaks volumes for the loving impact she had on their lives.

She now surely realises one of our Maxims:
“God has good things in store for you, never abandon Him whether it be favourable for you or contrary to your desires”.

 May she rest in peace.